After placing rookie linebacker Sean Spence on injured reserve, the Steelers announced the release of an additional 21 players to thin their roster to 53, well ahead of Friday's league deadline (which we appreciate).

Cut tracker

Former New England
Patriots wide receiver
Deion Branch was just one of Friday's many releases. Who else was cut?
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Among the more recognizable Steelers cuts were offensive lineman Trai Essex and punter Jeremy Kapinos. Essex started 28 games for the Steelers over seven seasons after being drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2005 draft. He obviously failed to impress coaches this summer.

Kapinos saw plenty of action in Pittsburgh over the past two seasons, but he remained a mid-level punter statistically. The five-year veteran is being replaced by undrafted rookie Drew Butler.